Intraretinal delivery and withdrawal instruments

Abstract

An intraretinal delivery and withdrawal instrument which has (a) a curved, distal frame for insertion into an orbit, which insertion is effected (i) inferior to the supraorbital ridge, (ii) superior to the eye, and (iii) in a caudal direction so as to reach the retina; (b) a tip for penetration into the subretinal region of the eye connected to the frame; and (c) an adjustable collar connected to the tip which collar is capable of being positioned so that the collar regulates the depth of tip penetration into the subretinal region including methods for uses thereof.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area which comprises the steps of: inserting an intraocular delivery and withdrawal instrument into the retinal area of the eye, said instrument comprising an elongated handle having a distal end and a proximal end and shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by the hand of a user and an elongated curved frame extending from the distal end of the handle and having a proximal end; and a tip extending from said distal end of the frame; said frame and tip being shaped and dimensioned for insertion into an orbit in said insertion direction so as to place said tip adjacent to the retina and pointing in a direction for penetration into the intraocular region of the eye when said tip is moved generally in the medial direction; and   transferring cells from the instrument into said retinal area to thereby graft the cells into the intraocular eye area.   
     
     
       2. A method for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 1, wherein said step of transferring cells comprises inserting the tip of said instrument into the tissues of the eye to a predetermined depth limited by the instrument and making a micro-injection into the retinal area. 
     
     
       3. A method for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 2, wherein the instrument is pre-set to dispense only a predetermined amount of cells at the predetermined depth. 
     
     
       4. A method for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 1, wherein said cells are injected at four points in different quadrants of the retinal area. 
     
     
       5. An instrument for grafting cells at a predetermined depth in an intraretinal eye area comprising: an elongated handle having a distal end and a proximal end and shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by the hand of a user;   an elongated curved frame extending from the distal end of the handle and having a proximal end;   a tip extending from said distal end of the frame, said tip and frame being shaped and dimensioned for insertion into an orbit along an insertion path around the periphery of the eye so as to place said tip adjacent to the retina and pointing in a direction for penetration into the intraocular region of the eye; and   an adjustable collar secured to the instrument to limit the depth to which said tip penetrates into the intraocular area of the eye to said predetermined depth.   
     
     
       6. An instrument for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 5, in which said tip comprises a beveled tip of a curved needle, said needle being tightly sheathed in plastic with the beveled tip thereof left exposed. 
     
     
       7. An instrument for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 5, wherein the instrument is pre-set to dispense only a predetermined amount of cells at the predetermined depth. 
     
     
       8. An instrument for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 5, in which said tip comprises a 30 gauge needle tip extending at an angle to the distal end of said frame. 
     
     
       9. An instrument for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 5, in which said tip comprises a 27 gauge needle tip extending at an angle to the distal end of said frame. 
     
     
       10. An instrument for grafting cells into an intraretinal eye area as recited in claim 5, in which said tip comprises a screw thread and said adjustable collar has a mating screw thread to allow varying degrees of penetration by the degree to which said screw threads mate.